Course 04 of 20 · Everyday tasks
Bathing
Preparation, shampoo choice, washing order, rinsing, and what to check on the skin.
Lesson 1. How do you prepare a dog and a room for a bath?
Bath preparation means brushing out the coat, laying out shampoo, towels and a non-slip mat, checking water temperature, and preparing a warm, calm, draught-free room before the dog steps in.
Lesson 2. How do you choose a shampoo for a dog?
Choose a mild shampoo made for dogs, matched to coat and skin needs, with no human shampoo, and use medicated products only on vet advice for a specific dog.
Lesson 3. How do you wet a coat evenly without soaking the ears?
Wet a coat evenly by starting at the body and legs with gentle, low-pressure water, working toward the head last, and shielding ears with a hand so water runs away from the ear canal.
Lesson 4. How do you wash a dog in a sensible order?
Wash a dog in a sensible order by starting with the dirtiest areas and the body, working in sections, and leaving the head and sensitive areas until last, with gentle, directional strokes.
Lesson 5. How do you rinse thoroughly, and how do you know the shampoo is out?
Rinse thoroughly with gentle, low-pressure water in sections until the water runs clear, the coat feels squeaky-clean rather than slippery, and no shampoo residue remains on skin or coat.
Lesson 6. How do you wash a face without getting water in eyes and ears?
Wash a face with a damp cloth and a tiny amount of dog shampoo, working gently around eyes, muzzle and ears, keeping water away from eyes and ear canals, and rinsing with a clean damp cloth.
Lesson 7. How often should a dog be bathed?
A dog should be bathed when the coat is dirty, smelly or needs it for a vet-agreed reason, usually every few weeks to a few months, not on a fixed weekly schedule, since over-bathing can dry skin and coat.
Lesson 8. What do you do when a dog hates the bath?
When a dog hates the bath, use slow desensitisation, short positive sessions, low water pressure, choice and rewards, and seek hands-on groomer or vet help if fear is strong or worsening.
Lesson 9. How do you bathe a small dog in a sink safely?
Bathe a small dog in a sink safely by using a clean, non-slip sink with warm, shallow water, supporting the dog at all times, keeping water away from ears and eyes, and never leaving the dog unattended.
Lesson 10. How do you bathe a large dog without flooding the room?
Bathe a large dog without flooding by using a shower or outdoor area with drainage, a non-slip mat, towels at thresholds, low-pressure water, and a drying plan that starts the moment washing ends.
Lesson 11. What should you check on the skin during a bath?
During a bath, check skin for redness, flaking, sores, lumps, parasites, wounds and changes in colour or texture, using the wet coat as a chance to see skin that dry hair usually hides.
Lesson 12. What comes after the bath, before drying starts?
After the bath, before drying starts, squeeze excess water gently, wrap the dog in a towel, check ears and skin, and move to a warm, draught-free drying area, so drying starts promptly and the dog does not chill.